| CD REVIEW (This review was also posted at www.701.com) |
| This gothic troubadour of the new millenium is the personification of dark romanticism and musically narcotic intoxication. His mastery of poetic imagery is immediately evident on the dramatic opening track, "Soaked to the Bone", a modern capsulized version of "Wuthering Heights" featuring Mr. Oakes' long-time musical collaborator, Paul Intson, on bass and organ, who also produced this CD in addition to the equally enchanting Shadows in Dreams. On the title track I was immediately drawn to the lyrics, "I was born on the side of sadness, with an overwhelming appetite; she's all that keeps me from the gates of madness, with an eloquence in her eyes", cloaked in Jamie's mournfully resonating slide guitar strains and subtle, pleasing background vocals by Rob Lamothe and Lisa Winn, two other extremely talented Hamilton-area musicians. Unfortunately the listener is abruptly jolted out of this reverie by the ensuing, but nevertheless rockin' track, "Dylan Song", which composition Jamie stated, at the Winterfolk Fest, was subconsciously inspired by Bob Dylan, and hence the name in his honour. It owes as much to Tom Cochrane or Blue Rodeo, though, and would fit well into either of those bands' repertoires. The remainder of the CD maintains a mellow groove, encompassing a variety of playing styles, such as the roots-bluesy "Far and Away" (another of my personal favourite tracks) and the almost-sappy jazz lounger "Moon on a String" that is otherwise distinguished by its percussive sophistication, care of Paul Intson on upright bass, Dan Lockwood, drummer extraordinaire formerly with Powerhouse and currently also with The Nomads, and fellow drummer William "Penner" MacKay (Barrelhouse Drum Co.) from Niagara-on-the-Lake adding special percussive effects. Another Hamilton musical prodigy (must be something in the air here!), Jesse O'Brien, adds his special charms on organ and piano on the soul-filled rhythm and blues of "Love and Grace", no doubt influenced by Marvin Gay(e) and Simply Red in their similar pleas for making love, not war. "Wentworth Street" has a Spanish flavouring to its rhythm not unlike a Chris de Burgh song, but it could have been further enhanced with some acoustic classical guitar. "Wide Awake", although a solid composition on its own, seemed a bit musically redundant on this CD, but the tedium is rescued with Jamie's delicious fretwork and INXS frontman Michael Hutchence-like vocals and Ed Roth's keyboarding on organ. Following up this track perfectly is an instrumental version of "May Belle's Blues", May Belle being a character who haunts the Shadows in Dreams CD (accompanied by Kim Deschamps on pedal steel guitar and Harrison Kennedy on harmonica). "I Will Not Mind" ends the CD on a laid-back but optimistic note that leaves the listener feeling totally at peace or at least prepared to tolerate the drudgery of everyday living. Scott Merritt repeats his role as a co-mixer on Eloquence, with Paul Intson who ultimately mastered the recording. Jamie thanks an extensive list of Hamilton and GTA musicians and media personalities, his current bandmates and former musical cohort, Tom Cochrane, and the Ontario Arts Council, who, no doubt, assisted in the funding of this musical production. Scott Merritt, who also recently released a new CD, The Detour Home [see previous page], is the focus of a live CBC recording, complete with a string section, at Hugh's Room in Toronto on March 13/03. Jamie Oakes will be showcasing songs from Eloquence and Shadows in Dreams on March 20/03 at Hamilton Place, a venue apparently well-regarded for its acoustic excellence, although I haven't yet had a chance to give testimony in this regard. Tickets will go fast for both of these events, so get yours now before they are all sold out! And speaking of "sold-out", Hamilton's adopted prodigal son, Daniel Lanois, will be returning to Ontario to perform songs from his latest CD for a sold-out crowd at Toronto's historic El Mocambo on March 1/03! |
| ELOQUENCE - JAMIE OAKES |
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